Nasal cannula for supplying a patient with breathing gas in the context of high-flow therapy

Abstract

A nasal cannula (5) for supplying a patient in the form of a premature or newborn baby, an infant, or a baby with respiratory gas as part of high-flow therapy, comprising: a nasal extension piece (13) having a hollow base body (15), a hose connection (9) for connecting a supply hose (7) to the base body (15) so that respiratory gas can flow from the supply hose (7) into the base body (15), and two nasal nozzles (17) protruding from the base body (15) for directing the respiratory gas from the base body (15) into the nose (19) of the patient; a first cheek pad (23) for supporting and / or fixing the nasal extension piece (13) to a first cheek of the patient; a second cheek pad (25) for supporting and / or fixing the nasal extension piece (13) to a second cheek of the patient; a retaining strap (21) that can be tightened around the patient's head to apply additional holding force to the nosepiece (13) and / or the two cheek pads (23, 25).

Description

Technical area

[0001] The invention relates to a nasal cannula for supplying a patient with respiratory gas during high-flow therapy. Furthermore, the invention relates to a ventilation system comprising such a nasal cannula. State of the art

[0002] Nasal high-flow therapy using a nasal cannula can be used, for example, in patients with mild to moderate respiratory distress syndrome with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure. A continuous flow of fresh gas allows the anatomical dead space—that is, the volume of the airways from the nasal cavity to the terminal bronchioles that do not participate in gas exchange—to be used as an oxygen reservoir, thus functionally reducing it. Nasal high-flow therapy can increase tidal volume while decreasing respiratory rate. This can improve alveolar ventilation and support the work of breathing.

[0003] Nasal high-flow therapy is increasingly being used in very young patients such as premature or newborn babies, infants, and babies, where it can noticeably improve treatment outcomes compared to conventional oxygen therapy. In nasal high-flow therapy for these patients, the oxygen flow is typically between 1 and 8 l / min.

[0004] A nasal cannula (also called a nasal prong) typically consists of a nasal prong with two nasal prongs for insertion into the nostrils. The nasal prong can be connected to a breathing gas source via a supply tube, allowing breathing gas to flow into the nasal prong at a suitable flow rate and from there via the nasal prongs into the nose.

[0005] Especially in premature or newborn babies, inserting or removing the nasal cannula can be difficult due to the small head and particularly sensitive skin.

[0006] Furthermore, in nasal high-flow therapy, due to the lack of appropriate pressure measurement, several attempts are often necessary until a suitable setting of the ventilation parameters is found. Disclosure of the invention

[0007] One object of the invention can be seen in providing an improved nasal cannula for supplying a patient with respiratory gas during high-flow therapy. A further object of the invention can be seen in providing a corresponding ventilation system.

[0008] These objects are achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are set forth in the dependent claims, the following description, and the accompanying figures.

[0009] A first aspect of the invention relates to a nasal cannula for supplying a patient, such as a premature or newborn infant, an infant, or a baby, with respiratory gas as part of (nasal) high-flow therapy. The nasal cannula comprises a nasal extension piece with a hollow base body, a tube connector for connecting a supply tube to the base body so that respiratory gas can flow from the supply tube into the base body, and two nasal prongs protruding from the base body for directing the respiratory gas from the base body into the patient's nose.Furthermore, the nasal cannula comprises a first cheek pad for supporting and / or fixing the nasal extension piece to a first cheek of the patient, a second cheek pad for supporting and / or fixing the nasal extension piece to a second cheek of the patient and a retaining strap that can be tightened around the patient's head for applying an additional retaining force to the nasal extension piece and / or the two (or at least one of the) cheek pads.

[0010] The additional holding force may be suitable for keeping the nasal attachment in a defined position relative to the patient's face when using the nasal cannula.

[0011] The use of a special retaining strap allows for particularly secure fixation of the nasal cannula to the patient's very small face, even if the patient is very active.

[0012] A "nasal prong" can be understood as a so-called prong for insertion into a single nostril.

[0013] The term "retaining band" may be understood to mean an elongated element separate from the supply hose, such as a rubber and / or fabric band or an arrangement of several such bands.

[0014] "Cheek pads" can be understood as a flat, particularly flexible element made of an air-permeable and / or fluid-absorbing material, for example, a particularly skin-friendly and / or particularly soft textile material. When using the nasal cannula, the cheek pads can directly touch the patient's skin, so that the contact pressure generated by the additional holding force, i.e., by the strap stretched around the head, is evenly distributed over as large an area of the face as possible, especially the cheeks. This helps prevent unwanted pressure points on the face.

[0015] Alternatively or additionally, depending on the design, the nasal cannula can be suitable for at least one of the following patient types: children, adolescents, adults.

[0016] A second aspect of the invention relates to a nasal cannula for supplying a patient with respiratory gas as part of (nasal) high-flow therapy. The nasal cannula comprises a nasal extension piece with a hollow base body, a hose connector for connecting a supply hose to the base body so that respiratory gas can flow from the supply hose into the base body, and two nasal prongs protruding from the base body for directing the respiratory gas from the base body into the patient's nose. Furthermore, the nasal cannula comprises a pressure measurement connection for connecting a pressure measuring device to the nasal cannula and a pressure measurement line fluidically coupled to the pressure measurement connection. It extends from the pressure measurement connection through the base body into at least one of the nasal prongs to enable pressure measurement in the nose, for example, at the outlet of the nasal prong(s).

[0017] Such a nasal cannula enables very precise oropharyngeal pressure measurement during high-flow therapy. Thus, ventilation parameters of high-flow therapy—such as respiratory gas pressure, respiratory gas flow, respiratory gas volume, or respiratory gas composition—can be very precisely controlled and / or evaluated depending on the measured pressure. This can significantly improve high-flow therapy compared to designs without such direct measurement of nasal pressure. Depending on the design, the nasal cannula can be suitable for at least one of the following patient types: premature or newborn babies, infants, babies, children, adolescents, and adults.

[0018] The pressure measurement connection can, for example, be designed as a component of a plug connection for connecting the nasal cannula to a breathing gas source.

[0019] The pressure measurement line makes it possible to transmit the pressure prevailing in the nose or nasopharynx to the pressure measurement port separately from the respiratory gas flow in the supply tube. For this purpose, the pressure measurement line can be designed, for example, as a separate hose, a separate tube, or a combination of at least one separate hose and at least one separate tube.

[0020] It is noted that the nasal cannula according to an embodiment of the second aspect of the invention may also comprise features of the nasal cannula according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention (and vice versa).

[0021] A third aspect of the invention relates to a ventilation system. The ventilation system comprises a nasal cannula according to one of the embodiments described above and below and a supply tube for connecting the tube connection of the nasal cannula to a respiratory gas source, so that respiratory gas can flow from the respiratory gas source via the supply tube into the main body of the nasal cannula. Furthermore, the ventilation system comprises a pressure measuring device connected to the pressure measuring connection of the nasal cannula for converting a (pneumatic) pressure applied to the pressure measuring connection into an electrical pressure measurement signal, and a control unit for controlling at least one ventilation parameter of the (nasal) high-flow therapy using the pressure measurement signal.

[0022] The control unit may comprise hardware and / or software modules. In particular, the control unit may comprise a processor configured to execute a corresponding (computer-implemented) method for controlling and / or evaluating the ventilation parameters. Additionally, the control unit may comprise a memory and / or a data communication interface for wireless and / or wired data communication with peripheral devices. Alternatively, the control unit may be implemented exclusively as hardware, for example, in the form of an ASIC or FPGA component.

[0023] The at least one ventilation parameter may, for example, comprise at least one of the following parameters: a respiratory gas pressure, a respiratory gas flow, a respiratory gas volume, a respiratory gas composition.

[0024] Such a ventilation system enables particularly precise control of high-flow therapy compared to conventional ventilation systems without direct measurement of the pressure in the nasal cannula.

[0025] Various embodiments of the invention are described below. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0026] According to one embodiment, at least one of the components of the nasal extension piece can be made at least partially of silicone.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the various components of the nasal extension piece can be made of the same (plastic) material, for example silicone.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the nosepiece can be formed in one piece. For example, the nosepiece can be manufactured using an injection molding process.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the nasal cannula can be designed such that the nasal attachment can be attached to the retaining strap via the first cheek pad on the one hand and the second cheek pad on the other. In other words, the nasal cannula can be designed such that the retaining strap can be attached (directly) to each cheek pad on the one hand and the base body (directly) to the other.

[0030] Due to their flat shape, the cheek pads usually offer sufficient space for a stable and comfortable attachment of the retaining strap. Compared to the cheek pads, the nosepiece is usually longer and narrower. The options for directly attaching the retaining strap to the nosepiece are therefore usually limited and involve certain compromises in terms of stability and / or comfort. By designing the cheek pads as load-bearing connecting elements, such limitations or compromises can be avoided without significant additional effort.

[0031] According to one embodiment, the nasal cannula can be designed such that at least one or each of the cheek pads is or can be attached to the retaining strap and / or the nasal extension piece via a hook-and-loop connection. This enables comfortable and / or secure attachment in various positions with minimal design effort. Such a connection can also be removed frequently without significant wear. Alternatively or additionally, an adhesive connection for attaching the respective cheek pad to the retaining strap and / or the nasal extension piece is possible.

[0032] According to one embodiment, at least one or each of the cheek pads can have a skin-friendly contact portion for contacting the respective cheek on a first side facing the respective cheek during use of the nasal cannula, and a fastening portion for fastening the cheek pad to the retaining strap and / or to the nosepiece on a second side opposite the first side and facing away from the respective cheek during use of the nasal cannula. The fastening portion can comprise an adhesive part and / or a fleece part of a hook-and-loop connection and / or a (self-adhesive) adhesive portion for fastening the cheek pad to the retaining strap and / or to the nosepiece.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the contact portion can be at least partially made of silicone and / or comprise a special adhesive surface for adhering the respective cheek pad to the respective cheek. A contact portion without an adhesive surface has the advantage that no adhesive residue needs to be removed from the skin.

[0034] According to one embodiment, at least one or each of the cheek pads can be designed as a layered composite comprising at least a first layer and a second layer, which can differ from one another in their material and / or their size (e.g., their thickness) and / or their shape. The contact portion can be a portion of the first layer and / or the fastening portion can be a portion of the second layer. The second layer can be designed as a carrier for stabilizing the first layer (or vice versa). For example, the carrier can be made of a (e.g., particularly air-permeable) textile material.

[0035] According to one embodiment, the nasal extension piece can further comprise a first fastening wing protruding from the base body for fastening the first cheek pad to the nasal extension piece and / or a second fastening wing protruding from the base body for fastening the second cheek pad to the nasal extension piece. The first fastening wing can be fastened to the base body in such a way that, when the nasal cannula is in use, it protrudes beyond a first end of the base body towards the first cheek. Alternatively or additionally, the second fastening wing can be fastened to the base body in such a way that, when the nasal cannula is in use, it protrudes beyond a second end of the base body towards the second cheek. For example, the fastening wing or the fastening wings can each protrude at least partially beyond one end of the base body, viewed in the longitudinal direction of the (elongated) base body.Alternatively or additionally, the fastening wing or wings can protrude at least partially laterally beyond the base body.

[0036] The fastening wing(s) can be connected to the base body either permanently or detachably, for example via a hook-and-loop and / or adhesive connection. The fastening wing(s) can be designed to be particularly flexible compared to the base body in order to enable good adaptation to the patient's facial contours. In particular, the fastening wing(s) can be made from a (e.g., particularly air-permeable) textile material and / or have a fluffy surface at least in sections. It is also conceivable for the fastening wing(s) and the base body to be formed in one piece and / or from the same material.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the nasal cannula can be configured such that, for attaching the first cheek pad to the nasal extension piece, the attachment portion of the first cheek pad can be attached to the first attachment wing, and / or for attaching the second cheek pad to the nasal extension piece, the attachment portion of the second cheek pad can be attached to the second attachment wing. Thus, the respective cheek pad can be securely and / or precisely attached to the nasal extension piece without significantly impairing desired properties of the respective cheek pad, such as flexibility or air permeability.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the first fastening wing can have a through opening that connects an upper side of the first fastening wing to a lower side of the first fastening wing opposite the upper side. The opening can be arranged such that the fastening section of the first cheek pad attached to the first fastening wing is at least partially opposite the opening, so that the retaining strap can be attached to the fastening section of the first cheek pad opposite the opening.

[0039] According to one embodiment, the second fastening wing can have a through opening that connects an upper side of the second fastening wing to a lower side of the second fastening wing opposite the upper side. The opening can be arranged such that the fastening section of the second cheek pad attached to the second fastening wing is at least partially opposite the opening, so that the retaining strap can be attached to the fastening section of the second cheek pad opposite the opening.

[0040] The part of the respective fastening section opposite the opening can comprise at least part of the adhesive part and / or the fleece part. In this case, the respective fastening wing can have a further adhesive part that can be hooked to the fleece part and / or a further fleece part that can be hooked to the adhesive part.

[0041] This enables a particularly compact design of the nasal cannula.

[0042] According to one embodiment, the retaining strap can be designed such that, when the nasal cannula is in use, it covers at least 50%, at least 70%, or at least 90% of a region of the head outside the face. In other words, the retaining strap can be cap-like in its usable state. Thus, the retaining strap can provide additional warmth and / or protection to the head, similar to a cap.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the retaining strap can comprise a first strap part for attaching the retaining strap to the first cheek pad and a second strap part, separate from the first strap part, for attaching the retaining strap to the second cheek pad, and can be designed such that the first strap part can be connected to the second strap part in different positions relative to the retaining strap in order to enable adjustment of the size and / or shape of the retaining strap to the head. It is possible for the retaining strap to be designed in at least two parts, at least three parts, or at least four parts, wherein the retaining strap can be designed such that the individual strap parts can be detachably connected to one another. For example, the individual strap parts can be adjustable in their length and / or width. This enables particularly precise adjustment of the retaining strap to different head sizes and / or shapes.

[0044] According to one embodiment, the retaining strap can be designed such that the first strap part can be connected to the second strap part via a hook-and-loop connection to form the retaining strap. This allows for particularly secure and / or comfortable application and removal of the retaining strap. Furthermore, such a hook-and-loop connection can be designed to be very soft and / or flexible compared to other connection types, such as strap or buckle connections.

[0045] According to one embodiment, each of the strap parts can comprise a cheek strap portion for attaching the strap part to the respective cheek pad, a first head strap portion, and a second head strap portion. In this case, the retaining strap can be designed such that the first head strap portions of the various strap parts can be connected to one another in different positions to form a first head strap, in order to enable adjustment of the size and / or shape of the first head strap to the head, and the second head strap portions of the various strap parts can be connected to one another in different positions to form a second head strap, in order to enable adjustment of the size and / or shape of the second head strap to the head. Furthermore, the retaining strap can be designed such that when using the nasal cannula: the cheek strap section attached to the first cheek pad is tensioned around a first cheek region comprising at least a part of the first cheek, the cheek strap section attached to the second cheek pad is tensioned around a second cheek region deviating from the first cheek region and comprising at least a part of the second cheek, the first head strap is tensioned around a first head region comprising at least a part of a vertex region of the head, and the second head strap is tensioned around a second head region deviating from the first head region and comprising at least a part of an occipital region and / or a nape region of the head.

[0046] This allows for secure fixation of the nasal attachment to the face, even in very active patients. Furthermore, the pressure exerted by the retaining strap can be distributed evenly across the head. This prevents unwanted pressure points, even during prolonged use of the nasal cannula.

[0047] Each of the cheek regions may additionally include at least a portion of the patient's respective ear and / or temple.

[0048] For example, each of the headbands may have a different length and / or width in each of the different positions in which the respective headband sections may be connected to each other.

[0049] According to one embodiment, each of the strap parts can further comprise a third headband section. In this case, the retaining strap can be designed such that the third headband sections of the various strap parts can be connected to one another in different positions to form a third headband, in order to enable adjustment of a size and / or a shape of the third headband to the head. Furthermore, the retaining strap can be designed such that, when the nasal cannula is used, the third headband is stretched around a third head region of the head that differs from the first head region and / or the second head region. For example, the third head region can comprise at least part of the neck region.

[0050] The retaining strap can also include more than three such headbands.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the retaining strap can be designed such that at least one of the headband sections of the first strap part can be connected to the respective headband section of the second strap part via a hook-and-loop connection to form the respective headband. This enables particularly secure and / or comfortable putting on and taking off of the respective headband. Furthermore, such a hook-and-loop connection can be designed to be very soft and / or flexible compared to other connection types, such as strap or buckle connections.

[0052] For example, the retaining strap can be designed so that adjacent headbands are separated from each other by a cutout that exposes a portion of the head when the nasal cannula is in use. This improves ventilation compared to a design without such cutouts.

[0053] It is possible for each of the strap sections to have a width and / or length of at least 2 cm, preferably at least 4 cm, in the area where the respective strap section touches the head during use of the nasal cannula. This prevents the individual strap sections from exerting excessive pressure on the particularly sensitive head.

[0054] It is also conceivable that each of the band parts comprises a base section from which the respective band sections branch off in different directions like fingers.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the nasal cannula can further comprise a connector for connecting a free end of the supply tube connected to the tube connector to a breathing gas source via a connector receptacle. The connector can be designed such that it can be plugged into the connector receptacle to form an airtight plug connection (and separated again as needed). When plugged into the connector receptacle, the connector can be mounted on and / or in the connector receptacle such that the connector and the connector receptacle can be rotated relative to one another about a common axis of rotation. For example, the mounting can be designed such that the connector and the connector receptacle can be rotated relative to one another by more than 360 degrees and / or in any direction of rotation.In this way, unwanted twisting and / or kinking of hoses connected to the connector can be avoided.

[0056] According to one embodiment, the nasal cannula may further comprise the supply tube, wherein the supply tube is connected on the one hand to the tube connector and on the other hand to the plug connector.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the nasal cannula may further comprise the connector receptacle and / or a connecting tube for connecting the connector receptacle to the respiratory gas source. The connecting tube may, for example, be a particularly thick and / or stable (spiral) tube compared to the supply tube described above.

[0058] According to one embodiment, the connector may comprise a tubular inner part for conducting the breathing gas and a tubular outer part. The outer diameter of the inner part may be smaller than the inner diameter of the outer part by a predefined amount, and the inner part and the outer part may be arranged coaxially, such that the inner part and the outer part define a defined annular gap for receiving at least a portion of the connector receptacle. The gap may be configured such that the portion of the connector receptacle received by the gap can be moved in the circumferential direction of the gap to enable rotation of the connector relative to the connector receptacle about a common central axis of the inner part and the outer part as the common axis of rotation.

[0059] According to one embodiment, the connector can be a standardized connector, in particular according to DIN EN ISO 5356. The DIN EN ISO 5356 standard describes conical connectors for anesthesia and ventilation devices. Such connectors can be designed as male and female cones (DIN EN ISO 5356-1) or as weight-bearing connectors with a screw thread (DIN EN ISO 5356-2).

[0060] According to one embodiment, the connector may have a fastening element for attaching the connector, for example, to a piece of clothing or a hose. Such a fastening element may be designed, for example, as a clip and / or a bracket (similar to a ballpoint pen).

[0061] According to one embodiment, the nasal cannula may further comprise a tube holder for holding the supply tube in a defined position relative to the patient's face. The tube holder may, for example, be designed so that it can be releasably attached, for example by clamping, Velcro, or gluing, to one of the cheek pads and / or the retaining strap.

[0062] According to one embodiment, the nasal extension piece can further comprise a further hose connector for connecting a further supply hose to the main body, so that breathing gas can flow from the further supply hose into the main body. The hose connector and the further hose connector can, for example, be arranged at opposite ends of the (elongated) main body in the longitudinal direction of the main body.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the connector can be designed to further connect a free end of the further supply hose connected to the further hose connection to the breathing gas source via the connector receptacle.

[0064] In other words, the connector can have an inlet that can be connected to the breathing gas source and an outlet that can be connected to the two supply hoses, with the inlet fluidically coupled to the outlet. For example, the connector can have two separate outlets for the two supply hoses, allowing them to be connected to the connector independently of each other.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the nasal cannula may further comprise the further supply tube, wherein the further supply tube is connected on the one hand to the further tube connection and on the other hand to the plug connector.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the nasal cannula can further comprise a pressure measurement port for connecting a pressure measuring device (for detecting air pressure) to the nasal cannula and a pressure measurement line. The pressure measurement line can be fluidically coupled to the pressure measurement port and extend from the pressure measurement port through the base body into at least one of the nasal prongs to enable (air) pressure measurement in the nose, for example, at the outlet of the nasal prong(s). This enables very precise oropharyngeal pressure measurement during high-flow therapy (see above). For example, a section of the pressure measurement line can extend from the pressure measurement port through the supply tube into the base body. In other words, the pressure measurement line can be at least partially integrated into the supply tube. This can simplify handling of the nasal cannula.

[0067] According to one embodiment, the pressure measurement port can be integrated into a housing of the connector, for example, into the aforementioned inner and / or outer part. In other words, the connector can be designed so that it can be connected to the respiratory gas source and the pressure measuring device simultaneously. This has the advantage of eliminating the need for a separate pressure measurement port, which saves space and can simplify handling of the nasal cannula. Short description of the drawings

[0068] Embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Neither the description nor the drawings are to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. Fig. 1 shows a ventilation system according to an embodiment of the invention. Fig. 2 shows a cross-section through a plug connection made of Fig. 1 . Fig. 3shows a retaining strap of a nasal cannula according to an embodiment of the invention with two head straps. Fig. 4 shows a retaining strap of a nasal cannula according to an embodiment of the invention with three head straps.

[0069] The figures are purely schematic and not to scale. Where identical reference symbols are used in different drawings, these reference symbols indicate identical or equivalent features. Embodiments of the invention

[0070] Fig. 1shows a ventilation system 1 for ventilating a patient, here a premature or newborn baby, an infant, or a baby, as part of nasal high-flow therapy. The ventilation system 1 comprises a respiratory gas source 3 for providing a respiratory gas, for example, oxygen or compressed air with an increased oxygen concentration, a nasal cannula 5, and a supply tube 7, via which a tube connection 9 of the nasal cannula 3 is connected to the respiratory gas source 3, so that respiratory gas can flow from the respiratory gas source 3 via the supply tube 7 into the nasal cannula 5.

[0071] The nasal cannula 5 comprises a nasal extension piece 13 with a hollow, for example, tubular or cylindrical base body 15 and two nasal prongs 17 protruding from the base body 15 for insertion into the patient's nose 19. The nasal extension piece 13 is designed such that the breathing gas can flow from the supply tube 7 via the tube connection 9 into the base body 15 and from there via the nasal prongs 17 into the nostrils of the nose 19.

[0072] Depending on the design, the nasal cannula 5 may also be suitable for at least one of the following patient types: children, adolescents, adults.

[0073] It is possible for at least one of the components of the nosepiece 13 to be made at least partially of silicone and / or for the entire nosepiece 13 to be formed in one piece. It is also conceivable for the various components of the nosepiece 13 to be made of the same material, for example, silicone or another suitable plastic.

[0074] Furthermore, the nasal cannula 5 comprises a retaining strap 21 that can be stretched around the patient's head to fix the nasal extension piece 13 in a defined position relative to the patient's face, for example by applying a corresponding additional holding force to the nasal extension piece 13. The retaining strap 21 can be designed as an elongated element separate from the supply tube 7, for example as a rubber and / or fabric strap or as an arrangement of several such straps.

[0075] The nasal cannula 5 further comprises, for example, a first cheek pad 23 and a second cheek pad 25 for additionally supporting and / or securing the nasal attachment piece 13, which is fixed relative to the face, to the two cheeks. The cheek pads 23, 25 can each be designed as a flat, particularly flexible element made of an air-permeable and / or liquid-absorbing material, for example a particularly skin-friendly and / or particularly soft textile material, and can directly contact the patient's skin when the nasal cannula 5 is used. This allows the contact pressure generated by the retaining strap 21 stretched around the head to be evenly distributed over the largest possible area of the face, in particular the cheeks. This way, unwanted pressure points on the face can be avoided.

[0076] The nasal cannula 5 can be designed such that the nasal attachment piece 13 can be fastened to the retaining strap 21 on the one hand via the first cheek pad 23 and on the other hand via the second cheek pad 25, for example via one or more Velcro and / or adhesive connections.

[0077] In this example, each of the cheek pads 23, 25 has a skin-friendly contact section for contacting the respective cheek on a first side, which faces the respective cheek when the nasal cannula 5 is in use, and a fastening section 27 on a second side opposite the first side, which faces away from the respective cheek when the nasal cannula 5 is in use. The fastening section 27 here comprises an adhesive and / or fleece part 29 of a hook-and-loop connection for fastening the cheek pad 23 or 25 to the retaining strap 21 and / or to the nose piece 13. Alternatively or additionally, the fastening section 27 can comprise a (self-adhesive) adhesive section for this purpose.

[0078] The contact portion may be at least partially made of silicone and / or comprise a special adhesive surface for adhering the respective cheek pad 23 or 25 to the respective cheek.

[0079] It is possible for each of the cheek pads 23, 25 to be formed as a layer composite comprising at least a first layer and a second layer, wherein the layers may differ from one another in their material and / or their size (for example, their thickness) and / or their shape. The contact portion may be a portion of the first layer and / or the fastening portion 27 may be a portion of the second layer. The second layer may be formed as a support for stabilizing the first layer (or vice versa). For example, the support may be made of a particularly air-permeable textile material. However, other support materials are also possible.

[0080] In addition, the nose piece 13 comprises a first fastening wing 31 protruding from the base body 15 for fastening the first cheek pad 23 to the nose piece 13 and a second fastening wing 33 protruding from the base body 15 for fastening the second cheek pad 25 to the nose piece 13. The fastening section 27 of the first cheek pad 23 can be fastened to the first fastening wing 31 or the fastening section 27 of the second cheek pad 25 can be fastened to the second fastening wing 33 by means of a hook and loop fastener.

[0081] The fastening wings 31, 33 can each be connected to the base body 15 either permanently or detachably, for example via a hook-and-loop and / or adhesive connection. It is possible for the fastening wings 31, 33 to be particularly flexible compared to the base body 15, so that they can adapt well to the patient's facial contours. In particular, the fastening wings 31, 33 can be made of, for example, a particularly air-permeable textile material and / or have a fluffy surface at least in sections. It is also conceivable for the fastening wings 31, 33 and the base body 15 to be formed in one piece and / or from the same material.

[0082] It is possible for each of the fastening wings 31, 33 to have a through-opening 35 connecting an upper side of the fastening wing 31 or 33 to its respective underside. The opening 35 can be arranged such that it is at least partially opposite the respective fastening section 27 of the cheek pad 23 or 25 attached to the respective fastening wing 31 or 33. Thus, the retaining strap 21 can be attached to the parts of the fastening sections 27 opposite the openings 35, here, for example, using a hook-and-loop fastener.

[0083] In this example, the base body 15 additionally comprises a further hose connection 37, which can be connected to the breathing gas source 3 via a further supply hose 39, so that the breathing gas can additionally flow from the further supply hose 39 into the base body 15 and from there via the nasal prongs 17 into the nose 19.

[0084] The free ends of the two supply hoses 7, 39 can each be connected to a connector 41, which can be plugged together with a corresponding connector receptacle 43 to form an airtight plug connection 45, which can be released again by pulling the connector 41 and the connector receptacle 43 apart with a certain amount of force. The connector receptacle 43 can be connected to the breathing gas source 3 via a connecting hose 47, so that the breathing gas can flow into the two supply hoses 7, 39 via the connecting hose 47 and the plug connection 45.

[0085] The plug connection 45 can optionally be designed as a rotary connection, which enables a targeted rotation of the plug connector 41 relative to the plug connector receptacle 43 about a common axis of rotation 49, for example by more than 360 degrees and / or in any direction of rotation.

[0086] As from Fig. 2where a cross section through the connector 41 from Fig. 1along a section line AA, the plug connector 41 can be designed for this purpose, for example, with a tubular or sleeve-like inner part 51 for conducting the breathing gas and a tubular or sleeve-like outer part 53. The outer diameter of the inner part 51 can be smaller by a defined amount than the inner diameter of the outer part 53, and the inner part 51 and the outer part 53 can be arranged coaxially in such a way that they delimit a defined annular gap 55 for supporting the plug connector receptacle 43. The gap 55 can be designed in such a way that it can accommodate at least a section of the plug connector receptacle 43, and the section of the plug connector receptacle 43 accommodated by the gap 55 can be rotated in both directions of rotation relative to the inner part 51 or the outer part 53 with little effort.In this example, the rotation axis 49 coincides with a common center axis of the inner part 51 and the outer part 53.

[0087] The free ends of the two supply hoses 7, 39 can, for example, be connected to a corresponding connection or corresponding (separate) connections of the inner part 51.

[0088] In particular, the plug connection 45 can be designed as a standardized plug connection, for example according to DIN EN ISO 5356-1 or 5356-2.

[0089] As in Fig. 1 As shown, the nasal cannula 5 can additionally comprise a pressure measurement port 57 and a pressure measurement line 59 connected to the pressure measurement port 57. The pressure measurement line 59 can extend from the pressure measurement port 57 into at least one of the two nasal prongs 17. This enables oropharyngeal pressure measurement during nasal high-flow therapy.

[0090] In this example, the pressure measurement port 57 is integrated into a housing of the connector 41. The pressure measurement line 59 extends through the supply hose 7 and the base body 15 to the open end of the right of the two nosepieces 17.

[0091] The pressure measuring port 57 can be connected to a pressure measuring device 63 of the ventilation system 1 via a further connecting tube 61. The pressure measuring device 63 can be configured to convert a pneumatic pressure applied to the pressure measuring port 57 into a corresponding electrical pressure measurement signal 65.

[0092] The pressure measurement signal 65 can be used by a correspondingly configured control unit 67 of the ventilation system 1 to control at least one ventilation parameter of the high-flow therapy. Depending on the embodiment, such a ventilation parameter can be a respiratory gas pressure, a respiratory gas flow, a respiratory gas volume, or a respiratory gas composition. For example, the control unit 67 can be configured to generate a control signal 69 for controlling at least one actuator of the respiratory gas source 3, e.g., a blower or a valve, depending on the oropharyngeal pressure measured in this way.

[0093] As from Fig. 3 and Fig. 4As can be seen, the retaining strap 21 can comprise a first strap part for attaching the retaining strap 21 to the first cheek pad 23 and a second strap part, separate from the first strap part, for attaching the retaining strap 21 to the second cheek pad 25. The two strap parts can be connected to one another in various positions—for example, via one or more hook-and-loop fasteners—to form a retaining strap 21 adapted to the respective head size or shape.

[0094] Fig. 3shows an embodiment in which each of the strap parts comprises a cheek strap section 71 for attaching the strap part to the respective cheek pad 23 or 25, a first headband section 73, and a second headband section 75. The first headband sections 73 of the various strap parts can be connected to one another in different positions to form a first headband 77 adapted to the respective head size or shape. Likewise, the second headband sections 75 of the various strap parts can be connected to one another in different positions to form a second headband 79 adapted to the respective head size or shape.

[0095] The retaining strap 21 can be designed such that, when the nasal cannula 5 is used, the cheek strap section 71 fastened to the first cheek pad 23 is tensioned around a first cheek region which comprises at least a part of the first cheek, the cheek strap section 71 fastened to the second cheek pad 25 is tensioned around a second cheek region which differs from the first cheek region and comprises at least a part of the second cheek, the first head strap 77 is tensioned around a first head region which comprises at least a part of a vertex region of the head, and the second head strap 79 is tensioned around a second head region which differs from the first head region and comprises at least a part of an occipital region and / or a nape region of the head.

[0096] For example, the cheek band sections 71 can each have a further adhesive and / or fleece part 80 at their free ends, which can be connected to the adhesive or fleece part 29 of the respective fastening section 27 in order to form the respective hook and loop connection.

[0097] Each of the cheek regions may additionally include at least a portion of the patient's respective ear and / or temple.

[0098] Fig. 4shows an embodiment in which each of the strap parts additionally comprises a third headband section 81. Analogous to the headband sections 73, 75 described above, the third headband sections 81 of the various strap parts can be connected to one another in different positions to form a third headband 83 adapted to the respective head size or shape, which, when the nasal cannula 5 is used, is stretched around a third head region of the head that differs from the first head region and / or the second head region. For example, the third head region can encompass at least part of the neck region.

[0099] The retaining strap 21 can also comprise more than three such headbands.

[0100] For example, each of the headbands may have a different length and / or width in each of the different positions in which the respective headband sections may be connected to each other.

[0101] It is possible for each of the strap sections to have a width and / or length of at least 2 cm, preferably at least 4 cm, in an area where the respective strap section touches the head during use of the nasal cannula 5. This prevents the individual strap sections from exerting excessive pressure on the particularly sensitive head.

[0102] The retaining strap 21 can also be designed like a cap, so that when the nasal cannula 5 is used it covers at least 50%, at least 70% or at least 90% of a region of the head outside the face.

[0103] It is possible for adjacent headbands to be separated from each other by a recess 85 during use of the nasal cannula 5, exposing a portion of the head. This improves ventilation compared to an embodiment without such recesses.

[0104] The respective headband sections can be connected to each other using Velcro, for example.

[0105] Finally, it should be noted that terms such as "comprise", "comprise", "include", "with", etc. do not exclude other elements or steps, and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" do not exclude pluralities.

[0106] Furthermore, it is noted that features or steps described with reference to one of the above embodiments may also be used in combination with features or steps described with reference to other of the above embodiments.

[0107] Reference signs in the claims are not to be understood as limiting the scope of the subject matter defined by the claims. List of reference symbols

[0108] 1 Ventilation system 3 Breathing gas source 5 Nasal cannula 7 Supply tube 9 Tube connection 13 Nasal adapter 15 Base body 17 Nasal prong 19 Nose 21 Retaining strap 23 First cheek pad 25 Second cheek pad 27 Fastening section 29 Adhesive and / or fleece part 31 First fastening wing 33 Second fastening wing 35 Opening 37 Further tube connection 39 Further supply tube 41 Connector 43 Connector receptacle 45 Plug-in connection 47 Connecting tube 49 Rotation axis, central axis 51 Inner part 53 Outer part 55 Gap 57 Pressure measurement connection 59 Pressure measurement line 61 Further connecting tube 63 Pressure gauge 65 Pressure measurement signal 67 Control unit 69 Control signal 71 Cheek strap section 73 First headband section 75 Second headband section 77First headband 79Second headband 80Further adhesive and / or fleece part 81Third headband section 83Third headband 85Recess

Claims

1. Nasal cannula (5) for supplying a patient with respiratory gas as part of high-flow therapy, wherein the patient is a premature or newborn infant, an infant, or a baby, the nasal cannula (5) comprising: a nasal extension piece (13) having a hollow base body (15), a hose connection (9) for connecting a supply hose (7) to the base body (15) so that respiratory gas can flow from the supply hose (7) into the base body (15), and two nasal nozzles (17) protruding from the base body (15) for directing the respiratory gas from the base body (15) into the nose (19) of the patient; a first cheek pad (23) for supporting and / or fixing the nasal extension piece (13) to a first cheek of the patient; a second cheek pad (25) for supporting and / or fixing the nasal extension piece (13) to a second cheek of the patient;a retaining strap (21) which can be tightened around the patient's head to apply an additional holding force to the nosepiece (13) and / or the two cheek pads (23, 25); 2. Nasal cannula (5) according to claim 1, wherein the nasal cannula (5) is designed such that the nasal extension piece (13) can be attached to the retaining strap (21) via the first cheek pad (23) and the second cheek pad (25); and / or wherein each of the cheek pads (23, 25) can be attached to the retaining strap (21) and / or to the nasal extension piece (13) via a hook-and-loop connection.

3. Nasal cannula (5) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the cheek pads (23, 25) has a skin-friendly contact section for contacting the respective cheek on a first side facing the respective cheek during use of the nasal cannula (5), and a fastening section (27) on a second side opposite the first side, wherein the fastening section (27) comprises an adhesive part (29) and / or a fleece part (29) of a hook-and-loop connection for fastening the cheek pad (23, 25) to the retaining strap (21) and / or to the nosepiece (13).

4. Nasal cannula (5) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the nasal extension piece (13) further comprises: a first fastening wing (31) projecting from the base body (15) for attaching the first cheek pad (23) to the nasal extension piece (13); a second fastening wing (33) projecting from the base body (15) for attaching the second cheek pad (25) to the nasal extension piece (13).

5. Nasal cannula (5) according to claim 4, dependent on claim 3, wherein, for fastening the first cheek pad (23) to the nose extension piece (13), the fastening section (27) of the first cheek pad (23) can be fastened to the first fastening wing (31) and for fastening the second cheek pad (25) to the nose extension piece (13), the fastening section (27) of the second cheek pad (25) can be fastened to the second fastening wing (33).

6. Nasal cannula (5) according to claim 5, wherein the first fastening wing (31) has a through opening (35) which connects an upper side of the first fastening wing (31) to a lower side of the first fastening wing (31) opposite the upper side and is arranged such that the fastening section (27) of the first cheek pad (23) fastened to the first fastening wing (31) is at least partially opposite the opening (35), so that the retaining strap (21) can be fastened to the fastening section (27) of the first cheek pad (23) opposite the opening (35);wherein the second fastening wing (33) has a through opening (35) which connects an upper side of the second fastening wing (33) to a lower side of the second fastening wing (33) opposite the upper side and is arranged such that the fastening section (27) of the second cheek pad (25) fastened to the second fastening wing (33) is at least partially opposite the opening (35), so that the retaining strap (21) can be fastened to the fastening section (27) of the second cheek pad (25) opposite the opening (35); 7. Nasal cannula (5) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the retaining strap (21) is designed such that, when the nasal cannula (5) is in use, it covers at least 50%, at least 70%, or at least 90% of a region of the head outside the face; and / or wherein the retaining strap (21) comprises a first strap part for fastening the retaining strap (21) to the first cheek pad (23) and a second strap part, separate from the first strap part, for fastening the retaining strap (21) to the second cheek pad (25), and is designed such that the first strap part can be connected to the second strap part in different positions relative to the retaining strap (21) in order to adapt the size and / or shape of the retaining strap (21) to the head.

8. Nasal cannula (5) according to claim 7, wherein each of the strap parts comprises a cheek strap section (71) for attaching the strap part to the respective cheek pad (23, 25), a first headband section (73), and a second headband section (75); wherein the first headband sections (73) of the various strap parts can be connected to one another in different positions to form a first headband (77) in order to adapt the size and / or shape of the first headband (77) to the head; wherein the second headband sections (75) of the various strap parts can be connected to one another in different positions to form a second headband (79) in order to adapt the size and / or shape of the second headband (79) to the head.wherein the retaining strap (21) is designed such that, when the nasal cannula (5) is in use, the cheek strap section (71) fastened to the first cheek pad (23) is tensioned around a first cheek region comprising at least part of the first cheek, the cheek strap section (71) fastened to the second cheek pad (25) is tensioned around a second cheek region which differs from the first cheek region and comprises at least part of the second cheek, the first head strap (77) is tensioned around a first head region which comprises at least part of a vertex region of the head, and the second head strap (79) is tensioned around a second head region which differs from the first head region and comprises at least part of an occipital region and / or a nape region of the head.

9. Nasal cannula (5) according to claim 8, wherein each of the strap parts further comprises a third headband section (81); wherein the third headband sections (81) of the various strap parts can be connected to one another in different positions to form a third headband (83) in order to adapt the third headband (83) to the head in terms of its size and / or shape; wherein the holding strap (21) is designed such that, when the nasal cannula (5) is in use, the third headband (83) is tensioned around a third head region of the head that differs from the first head region and / or the second head region.

10. Nasal cannula (5) according to claim 8 or 9, wherein at least one of the headband sections (73, 75, 81) of the first band part can be connected to the respective headband section (73, 75, 81) of the second band part via a hook-and-loop connection to the respective headband (77, 79, 83).

11. Nasal cannula (5) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a pressure measuring connection (57) for connecting a pressure measuring device (63) to the nasal cannula (5); a pressure measuring line (59) which is fluidically coupled to the pressure measuring connection (57) and extends from the pressure measuring connection (57) through the base body (15) into at least one of the nasal prongs (17) to enable pressure measurement in the nose (19).

12. Nasal cannula (5) for supplying a patient with respiratory gas as part of high-flow therapy, the nasal cannula (5) comprising: a nasal attachment piece (13) having a hollow base body (15), a hose connection (9) for connecting a supply hose (7) to the base body (15) so that respiratory gas can flow from the supply hose (7) into the base body (15), and two nasal nozzles (17) protruding from the base body (15) for directing the respiratory gas from the base body (15) into the patient's nose (19); a pressure measuring connection (57) for connecting a pressure measuring device (63) to the nasal cannula (5); a pressure measuring line (59) which is fluidically coupled to the pressure measuring connection (57) and extends from the pressure measuring connection (57) through the base body (15) into at least one of the nose nozzles (17) in order to enable a pressure measurement in the nose (19).

13. Nasal cannula (5) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a plug connector (41) for connecting a free end of the supply tube (7) connected to the tube connection (9) to a breathing gas source (3) via a plug connector receptacle (43), wherein the plug connector (41) is designed such that the plug connector (41) can be plugged together with the plug connector receptacle (43) to form an airtight plug connection (45), wherein the plug connector (41) - when plugged together with the plug connector receptacle (43) - is mounted on and / or in the plug connector receptacle (43) such that the plug connector (41) and the plug connector receptacle (43) can be rotated relative to one another about a common axis of rotation (49).

14. Nasal cannula (5) according to claim 13 dependent on claim 11 or 12, wherein the pressure measuring connection (57) is integrated into a housing of the plug connector (41).

15. Ventilation system (1), comprising: a nasal cannula (5) according to claim 11 or 12; a supply tube (7) for connecting the tube connection (9) of the nasal cannula (5) to a respiratory gas source (3), so that respiratory gas can flow from the respiratory gas source (3) via the supply tube (7) into the base body (15) of the nasal cannula (5); a pressure measuring device (63) connected to the pressure measuring connection (57) of the nasal cannula (5) for converting a pressure applied to the pressure measuring connection (57) into an electrical pressure measuring signal (65); a control unit (67) for controlling at least one ventilation parameter of the high-flow therapy using the pressure measuring signal (65).

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